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Rare 1805 Thomas Jefferson & James Madison Signed U.S. Land Grant Document
This is a rare, museum-quality piece of early American history. Up for sale is an authentic, original 1805 United States Land Grant boldly signed by the 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, and countersigned by his Secretary of State (and future 4th President), James Madison.
Documents bearing the dual signatures of these two founding fathers are highly sought after by historical collectors and investors alike.
📜 Document Details & Context
• Signers: Thomas Jefferson (President) & James Madison (Secretary of State)
• Date Issued: April 12, 1805
• Location of Issue: City of Washington
• Content: This document grants \"One Hundred\" acres of land to Richard Gernon, who was the assignee of Edward Quigley, a soldier in the \"late army of the United States\" (referencing military service bounty land). The land is noted as being situated within the tract appropriated for satisfying military warrants.
• Legal References: Mentions the June 1, 1796 Act of Congress (\"An act regulating the grants of Land appropriated for Military Services...\"), as well as supplementary acts passed in 1799, 1800, and 1803.
🔍 Key Features & Authenticity Markers
• Paper/Medium: Crisp, aged vellum or heavy rag paper typical of the early 19th century.
• Signatures: Features a clear, distinct \"Th: Jefferson\" signature in the center-right and a faded but visible \"James Madison\" signature as Secretary of State on the lower left.
• Official Seal: Features the original, deeply raised, serrated paper Great Seal of the United States on the lower-left corner, fully intact and well-preserved.
• Framing: Professionally housed in an ornate, heavy gold-gilded vintage frame with a thick black mat that beautifully highlights the document. Ready to hang immediately.
📈 Condition Report
The document is in very good antique condition considering its age of over 220 years.
• The text remains mostly legible with expected historical fading to the handwritten ink fill-ins.
• Natural horizontal fold lines are visible from when the document was originally folded for storage centuries ago.
• Minor age-toning, light creasing, and minor wave to the parchment, adding to its authentic historical character.
